The Magic Square Photograph

The Magic Square is a combined collaboration of Valeriy Berlovin and Rimma Gerlovina. Russian born artists, and photography enthusiasts. This print, though not on display was graciously donated to the Chicago Art Institute, by David and Sara Jean Ruttenberg, in 1991. I personally find it to be a striking, colored photograph, whimsical in its delight. Embedded in innocence, though surrounded by harking airs of maturity; this photograph captivated my thoughts, the first time I appeared upon it.

The fact that the numbers in each column add up to 15, makes me think that the featured model, is at a 'coming-out" period in her life. The hands, well the hands represent maturity. The mature hand of a father could be one, and the mature hand of a grandmother, could be another.

In the photograph below, again Valeriy Berlovin and Rimma Gerlovina use lettering in their portraits view. This time they used, the obvious alphabetical lettering, instead of the numerical style lettering in the first featured photograph. If you carefully notice, you will see how Valeriy perfectly lines up this shot, which resulted in Rimma, representing the letter "i." It took me quite sometime, before I realized that it was a cupping pair of hands, that telegraphed the image, like the inside of a kaleidescope. I know how that must seem odd to you, but, somehow the glaring arched knuckles, weren't that obvious to me at first. This photograph remains me of the days, when I looked up into the sky, a made a circle around the sun, with my index finger and thumb.

Valeriy Berlovin and Rimma Gerlovina captivate my attention. Their unique creativity combined with my fondest memories, make them a formidable pairing in my eyes. For more wonderfully innovative images, be sure to visit your closest art gallery or museum. Support the Arts, for whatever we do in life, Art will determine our finest hour as a society and culture.